Match Practice Grids

Match Practice General Scenario These are the main grids for developing strategy , skills and game play, they should link with the ball skills and sometimes with warm ups but it is here that you will develop your tactics and work on how the team will play. Most of these grids include pressure training. Each session should include a Match Practice drill and these grids and drills make up the majority of grids in this book, there is sufficient variety for you to select the skills that you wish to develop.
View sample image then hit the back button to use: download the file left of the grid	Sample image	Short description of the grid
106 M001 Attacking Blind Runs to the Far Post		Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper.
107 M002 Attacking wide of the penalty area		Shooting drill whilst being pressured also includes elements of fitness in short sprints. Teams split into attackers and defenders. Defenders pass a ball through a mini goal outside of the penalty area then the "defender" sprints into play around a post to tries to force the attacker wide.
108 M003 Attacking turning 2 v 2 attacking and defending		Teams split into two teams, one team in pairs start as attackers shown in (A Team Blue) and form up near the centre spot on the half way line. The defenders (B Team Red) line up at the goal line (either side of goal).
109 M004 Attacking Blind Runs to the Far Post		Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper. For professional use I put in two touch posts and make the defenders and attackers touch this post BEFORE they can play the ball.
110 M005 Attacking the goalkeeper turning central defenders		Players turn a passive defender (the player immediately behind the player, i.e. the next attacker). The attacking player (2) receives a ball through a mini goal, from a defender (1) then breaks left or right with the ball to carry the ball forward and get a shot on goal.
111 M006 Attack 2 v 2 Defend Full Pitch		Players line up on the goal line and halfway, in pairs. The first pair from either end carry the ball forward inter passing until they get to the half way line. They then pass their ball to the two attackers on their side of the pitch near the half way line, and then take up position as the next pair of attackers waiting on the half way.
112 M007 Defending Wide Attacks		Two players attack goal from wide and are challenged by two defenders coming from the other side of the pitch. Players swap places after every move or recover to remain as attacking pairs and defending pairs. Set ends with a shot on goal or an intercepted pass or tackle.
113 M008 Midfield In Attack		The attacking (A1) player passes to the first midfielder (M1) and sprints around the post and through markers to run on to a return pass from the second midfielder. (M2). Two midfielder use line passing to feed the attacking player.
114 M009 Attacking Working Goal Line Crosses		Play is deliberately created wide of the penalty area for crosses into the penalty area. Attacking and defending roles are present so use your back four defenders and keeper and include your two main strikers, the rest will feed the ball in from wide.
115 M010 Attacking Dealing With Deep Crosses		Players hitting wide shots into the goal mouth from just past the half-way line, striker and defender roles.
116 M011 Defending Playing Out The Back Four		General Scenario: Back four players fed from goalkeeper and breaks forward from their markers then playing out using at least three passes. Try to get a clearance to the midfield player just past the half-way line.
117 M012 Strikers Holding The Ball		Attacking players hold up the ball whilst waiting for support play wide.
118 M013 Attacking The Wall Pass In Attack		Player (A) dribbles forward and makes a wall pass to Player (B) past defender (C), whom is in a mini goal two metres wide. Player (A) then collects the return and moves on to goal which is defended by Player (D).
119 M014 Strikers Working Wide Play		Players hitting shots from either edge of the penalty area after a 2 v 1 action with winger.
120 M015 Attacking Switches From Deep		Attackers split into two groups (A and B) and will change places after each move. Team A each have a ball. Team A is on the far side of the pitch. Players from Team B are on the other side of the pitch. Put the back four into defensive positions, the defenders MUST touch goalposts or pressure posts after each attack.
121 M016 Goalkeeper Wingers Line Pass & Cross		Attacker (B) sprints around a wide post and turns to face Attacker (A), Attacker (A) passes the ball forward to attacker (B), and sprints inside the pair then wide of the pitch. Attacker (B), whom is closely marked by the midfield defender, turns and plays a line ball to attacker (A) then sprints around the wide post and inside the field for a return pass.
122 M017 Defending Slide Tackling_ Shooting		Players split into two groups (defenders - attackers) but change places after each run. Player (A) (defender) has passed a ball (1) through a mini goal to an area just in front of two run around posts or markers and in front of Player (B) (attacker). Player (A) (defender) then sprints around a run around post or marker (2) to defend.
123 M018 Attacking Passing Through The Middle		Attacking Players make a simple set of passes towards goal finishing with a shot on goal. Returning players come back dribbling or passing the ball through the middle of the grid so that Attacking players have to work the ball in and around returning "Defending" players to get a shot on goal.
124 M019 Midfielder's Turning Defenders Grid		One player from one end of the grid passes to the Attacking player (A) somewhere in the middle of the grid, whenever that player calls for the pass. This player has to then turn whilst being defended upon by defender (B), the attacker can pass to the other feed player but cannot pass back to either player.
125 M020 Crossing Lay Off for Strikers		two teams, three strikers and four defenders in the penalty area (one a goalkeeper); Players deliver a simple cross for strikers to attack or defenders to clear, pressure is on the strikers in the penalty area to determine how the cross is delivered. Allow strikers to collaborate on moves and call as required.
126 M021 Goalkeeper dealing with corners		A defender (C) takes up position on a marker or post on the goal line near to the goal and moves to defend when an attacker (A) leaves a midfield marker as shown. Another player (B) crosses the ball from wide (in our example the corner spot but alternative positions can be also used).
127 M022 Attacking using the centre forward		Place a striker (A) in front of the penalty area with a defender (C) deeper inside the penalty area. Attackers (B) pass a ball through a mini goal and run on cutting either side to receive a lay off from the striker (A).
128 M023 Midfield Through Ball		Midfielder's receive a lay off pass from a striker and try to penetrate a defensive line to get behind defenders.
129 M024 Shooting The Knock Back		Players pass away from goal, receive a return pass, lay this pass off for a striker and change places.
130 M025 Strikers Switching		The strikers will suddenly change places (switch) or break in opposite directions to create space when an attack is created down either wing. Normal soccer rules apply (offside etc.)
131 M026 Midfielder's Lay Off For strikers		Players pass/shoot as attackers then become defenders and rotate places.
132 M027 Defending Sudden Breaks		The coach has several soccer balls and the first three attackers line up on the half way line as shown (A 1, 2 & 3). Three defenders start on pressure posts and move as soon as the ball is played.
133 M028 Defending Pressure Grid		Various players lob a ball into the penalty area where a defender has to sprint in and volley or clear the ball to outfield players.
134 M029 Midfield play		Teams are split into 5 v 5 each plus a goalkeeper (optional). The grid is split as shown with two defenders, two midfielder and one attacker in each team. The ball MUST be played from grid to grid and players may not enter another grid.
135 M030 Midfielder's In Attack		The squad is split into two teams Team A and Team B They line up as attackers, one defender and one midfielder on each team, as shown and travel through the grid using the midfielder's to help them attack the opposite goal.
136 M031 Attacking From Deep		Two attackers (A) and (B) challenge two defenders (C) and (D). The attackers MUST make at least three passes (A) to (B), (B) to (A) and (A) again to (B) more passes are allowed three is the minimum.
137 M032 Midfield Through Ball		Midfield players work the ball to create space for a midfield through ball to a winger or central player, and make a through ball pass. Players start level with the penalty area then begin by moving towards the halfway line (as they would if an offside trap was being employed) attackers are marked by defenders.
138 M033 Midfield Support Back Four		The back four work the ball in a 4 v 2 against twin strikers and pass to the midfield when one or more of the midfield players makes break to support the play.
139 M034 Strikers Creating Space		Two strikers remain in the penalty area covered by two defenders. There are two additional strikers next to markers just outside the area also covered by defenders. Three midfield players each with a soccer ball is allocated a number and when called out by the coach can play the ball to either available striker
140 M035 Defending One Goal		Goalkeeper: Has to make a decision on when to come out or stay on the goal line before diving on the ball.
141 M036 Goalkeeping 2 on 2 Attack_ Defend		Players play 2 v 2 with two defenders (A1) and (A2). The defenders are initially passive defenders, just making it difficult for the attackers and do not tackle. Two attackers (B1) or (B2) receive a pass from defender (A1) and one of the attackers (B1) or (B2) must try to get into the area, where the goalkeeper must come out to smother the ball.
142 M037 Midfield Creating Space for Striker Roles		Play is dictated by the midfield group (A, B and C) whom are unmarked and are restricted to a maximum of three passes
143 M038 Midfield Diversions For Blind Run		The attacking midfield players A1, A2 and A3 create passing sequence (1, 2, 3 etc.) and strikers and nearby midfield players (except the two attackers on the far side) move to support the play calling for the ball.
144 M039 Defending -The Role of the Sweeper		Line up the back four with your sweeper behind the defenders. Player (A1) passes to (A2) and the routine begins. The strikers link with the midfield and try to get the ball back to the attackers or past the back four for a shot on goal. The sweeper dictates play by calling the back line out for the offside trap.
145 M040 Attacking Beating The Offside Trap		The ball is played in to goal by any midfield player with either winger chipping the ball into the area towards the keeper. The front third is defended as 4 v 3 using a sweeper.
146 M041 Defending Dealing With Attacks Down The Middle		Attackers (A) and (B) work the ball in a 2 v 1 against a midfielder. The midfielder must touch the post or marker before defending on the next attack.
147 M042 Strikers Predicting Play		The ball is being played out by the back four, the goalkeeper rolls the ball to one of the defenders. The strikers, having retired, now pressure the play by closing down one side of the pitch to force play to that side of the pitch.
148 M043 Defending using Zonal Defence		Mark out a pitch into zones and allocate your defenders to play within these areas and advise the defenders to assume responsibility for that zone. Defenders may move out of the area but MUST always remain responsible and liable for play in their zone.
149 M044 Midfielder's building attacks from the back		The team is split into two teams (Attackers -bibs) v (Defenders) with two goals. The Attacking team have seven players plus a keeper and the defending team have six players plus a keeper (or in similar proportion depending on your squad).
150 M045 Attacking using Overlapping Fullbacks		Play is for an Attacking fullback to pass to a midfield player and then overlap down the wing. Other players take up defensive and Attacking roles and the two overlapping attackers return to the start after each attack.
151 M046 Attacking From Switch Play		Players cross a ball and attackers try to score whilst being challenged by a midfield defender.
152 M047 Defending Line Clearing		Players pass a ball into the corner flag and a defender has to get to the ball and turn and clear the ball up the line to a receiving player. The passing player puts pressure on the defender and players change places after each run.
153 M048 Attacking from wide Using the midfield and width		Players attack and defend whilst attacks are built from midfield. A striker (C) and defender (E) remain in the penalty area to undertake normal attack and defending roles. Midfield attackers, change places with the two defenders and these players rotate roles.
154 M049 Advanced Pressure Shooting		Players pass into the middle pitch then chase around a post, Attackers take off from the center spot and run around a post to attack the ball whilst under pressure from the defender, a shot or ball defended and next pair enter the grid
155 M050 Attacking wingers covering the Far Post for crosses		Play is 2 v 1 wide with the winger, player (A) and midfield support (B) The winger being released with a wall pass past a passive defender; the winger (A) is then challenged by the fullback.
156 M051 Crossing Line Pass & Wide Play		Play is 2 v 1 wide with the winger, player (A) being released then challenged by the fullback. The ball is crossed into the penalty area and the opposite winger player (B) MUST run far post and NOT into the penalty area.
157 M052 Defence the line pass and cross		Player (A) runs to a defender, shown in (Red), turns on the defender and receives a pass from Player (B). Player (A) controls the ball, turns the defender then passes down the line, and breaks inside for a return pass.
158 M053 Defending wide pressure grid		The Attackers then break into the penalty area where a defender (B2) has sprinted in to defend. The attackers in a 2 v 1 Attacker (A2) must cross the ball for the other attacker. (Then moves to become a defender).
159 M054 Defending Turning in attack 2 v 2 attacking and defending		Shooting drill whilst being pressured also includes elements of fitness in short sprints. Teams split into attackers and defenders. Defenders pass a ball through a mini goal outside of the penalty area then the "defender" sprints into play around a post to tries to force the attacker wide.
160 M055 Defending Blind Runs to the Far Post		A large mini goal about three metres outside of the penalty area, is set up. Teams split into two teams, one team in pairs start as attackers shown in (A Team Blue) and form up near the centre spot on the half way line.
161 M056 Goalkeeper Attacking turning central defenders		Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper.
162 M057 Defending 2 v 2 Full Pitch		Players turn a passive defender (the player immediately behind the player, i.e. the next attacker). The attacking player (2) receives a ball through a mini goal, from a defender (1) then breaks left or right with the ball to carry the ball forward and get a shot on goal.
163 M058 Defending attacks turning central defenders		Players line up on the goal line and halfway, in pairs. The first pair from either end carry the ball forward inter passing until they get to the half way line. They then pass their ball to the two attackers on their side of the pitch near the half way line, and then take up position as the next pair of attackers waiting on the half way.
164 M059 Defending Working Goal Line Crosses		Players turn a passive defender (the player immediately behind the player, i.e. the next attacker). The attacking player (2) receives a ball through a mini goal, from a defender (1) then breaks left or right with the ball to carry the ball forward and get a shot on goal.
165 M060 Defending Dealing With Deep Crosses		Play is deliberately created wide of the penalty area for crosses into the penalty area. Attacking and defending roles are present so use your back four defenders and keeper and include your two main strikers, the rest will feed the ball in from wide.
166 M061 Defending The Wall Pass In Attack		Players hitting wide shots into the goal mouth from just past the half-way line, striker and defender roles.
167 M062 Goalkeeper dealing with Wing Play		Player (A) dribbles forward and makes a wall pass to Player (B) past defender (C), whom is in a mini goal two metres wide. Player (A) then collects the return and moves on to goal which is defended by Player (D).
168 M063 Crossing Wing Play and Crosses		Goalkeeper to control defenders for all crosses, positional play and calling, two teams, three strikers and four defenders in the penalty area
169 M064 Attacking and defending 2 v 2 with the goalie		Players deliver a simple cross for strikers to attack or defenders to clear, pressure is on the strikers in the penalty area to determine how the cross is delivered
170 M065 Defending and attacking 2 v 2 with the goalie		Two attackers (B1) or (B2) receive a pass from defender (A1) and one of the attackers (B1) or (B2) must try to get into the area, where the goalkeeper must come out to smother the ball.
171 M066 Defending working the Offside Trap		To act as obstructions so that attackers have to work the ball or dribble to get into position. Later encourage tackling outside of the area only, as directed by the keeper.
172 M067 Attacking Line Pass & Wide Play		The ball is played in to goal by any midfield player with either winger chipping the ball into the area towards the keeper. The front third is defended as 4 v 3 using a sweeper.
173 M068 Beating The Offside Trap		Again look for good line passing from attacker (A1) or chipping crossing skills from the winger (A2), followed by good timing of the run onto the crossed ball, and strong finishing, especially now that a defender (B2) is in place.
174 M069 Attacking Overlapping Runners		Players spilt into two teams one team with bibs. They play V's each other outside of the marked grid and can only enter the grid if they run onto a on side pass.
175 M070 Defence Overlapping Runners		Players inter pass with a central midfielder and sprint on to give and receive a crossed ball.
176 M071 Defending Blind Runs to the Far Post		Players inter pass with a central midfielder and sprint on to give and receive a crossed ball. Breaking wide and switching places in attack
177 M072 Midfield Predicting Play		Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper.

Match Practice General Scenario

These are the main grids for developing strategy , skills and game play, they should link with the ball skills and sometimes with warm ups but it is here that you will develop your tactics and work on how the team will play. Most of these grids include pressure training. Each session should include a Match Practice drill and these grids and drills make up the majority of grids in this book, there is sufficient variety for you to select the skills that you wish to develop.

View sample image then hit the back button to use: download the file left of the grid

Sample image

Short description of the grid

106 M001 Attacking Blind Runs to the Far Post

Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper.

107 M002 Attacking wide of the penalty area

Shooting drill whilst being pressured also includes elements of fitness in short sprints. Teams split into attackers and defenders. Defenders pass a ball through a mini goal outside of the penalty area then the "defender" sprints into play around a post to tries to force the attacker wide.

108 M003 Attacking turning 2 v 2 attacking and defending

Teams split into two teams, one team in pairs start as attackers shown in (A Team Blue) and form up near the centre spot on the half way line. The defenders (B Team Red) line up at the goal line (either side of goal).

109 M004 Attacking Blind Runs to the Far Post

Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper. For professional use I put in two touch posts and make the defenders and attackers touch this post BEFORE they can play the ball.

110 M005 Attacking the goalkeeper turning central defenders

Players turn a passive defender (the player immediately behind the player, i.e. the next attacker). The attacking player (2) receives a ball through a mini goal, from a defender (1) then breaks left or right with the ball to carry the ball forward and get a shot on goal.

111 M006 Attack 2 v 2 Defend Full Pitch

Players line up on the goal line and halfway, in pairs. The first pair from either end carry the ball forward inter passing until they get to the half way line. They then pass their ball to the two attackers on their side of the pitch near the half way line, and then take up position as the next pair of attackers waiting on the half way.

112 M007 Defending Wide Attacks

Two players attack goal from wide and are challenged by two defenders coming from the other side of the pitch. Players swap places after every move or recover to remain as attacking pairs and defending pairs. Set ends with a shot on goal or an intercepted pass or tackle.

113 M008 Midfield In Attack

The attacking (A1) player passes to the first midfielder (M1) and sprints around the post and through markers to run on to a return pass from the second midfielder. (M2).
Two midfielder use line passing to feed the attacking player.

114 M009 Attacking Working Goal Line Crosses

Play is deliberately created wide of the penalty area for crosses into the penalty area. Attacking and defending roles are present so use your back four defenders and keeper and include your two main strikers, the rest will feed the ball in from wide.

115 M010 Attacking Dealing With Deep Crosses

Players hitting wide shots into the goal mouth from just past the half-way line, striker and defender roles.

116 M011 Defending Playing Out The Back Four

General Scenario: Back four players fed from goalkeeper and breaks forward from their markers then playing out using at least three passes. Try to get a clearance to the midfield player just past the half-way line.

117 M012 Strikers Holding The Ball

Attacking players hold up the ball whilst waiting for support play wide.

118 M013 Attacking The Wall Pass In Attack

Player (A) dribbles forward and makes a wall pass to Player (B) past defender (C), whom is in a mini goal two metres wide. Player (A) then collects the return and moves on to goal which is defended by Player (D).

119 M014 Strikers Working Wide Play

Players hitting shots from either edge of the penalty area after a 2 v 1 action with winger.

120 M015 Attacking Switches From Deep

Attackers split into two groups (A and B) and will change places after each move. Team A each have a ball. Team A is on the far side of the pitch. Players from Team B are on the other side of the pitch. Put the back four into defensive positions, the defenders MUST touch goalposts or pressure posts after each attack.

121 M016 Goalkeeper Wingers Line Pass & Cross

Attacker (B) sprints around a wide post and turns to face Attacker (A), Attacker (A) passes the ball forward to attacker (B), and sprints inside the pair then wide of the pitch. Attacker (B), whom is closely marked by the midfield defender, turns and plays a line ball to attacker (A) then sprints around the wide post and inside the field for a return pass.

122 M017 Defending Slide Tackling_ Shooting

Players split into two groups (defenders - attackers) but change places after each run. Player (A) (defender) has passed a ball (1) through a mini goal to an area just in front of two run around posts or markers and in front of Player (B) (attacker). Player (A) (defender) then sprints around a run around post or marker (2) to defend.

123 M018 Attacking Passing Through The Middle

Attacking Players make a simple set of passes towards goal finishing with a shot on goal. Returning players come back dribbling or passing the ball through the middle of the grid so that Attacking players have to work the ball in and around returning "Defending" players to get a shot on goal.

124 M019 Midfielder's Turning Defenders Grid

One player from one end of the grid passes to the Attacking player (A) somewhere in the middle of the grid, whenever that player calls for the pass. This player has to then turn whilst being defended upon by defender (B), the attacker can pass to the other feed player but cannot pass back to either player.

125 M020 Crossing Lay Off for Strikers

two teams, three strikers and four defenders in the penalty area (one a goalkeeper); Players deliver a simple cross for strikers to attack or defenders to clear, pressure is on the strikers in the penalty area to determine how the cross is delivered. Allow strikers to collaborate on moves and call as required.

126 M021 Goalkeeper dealing with corners

A defender (C) takes up position on a marker or post on the goal line near to the goal and moves to defend when an attacker (A) leaves a midfield marker as shown. Another player (B) crosses the ball from wide (in our example the corner spot but alternative positions can be also used).

127 M022 Attacking using the centre forward

Place a striker (A) in front of the penalty area with a defender (C) deeper inside the penalty area. Attackers (B) pass a ball through a mini goal and run on cutting either side to receive a lay off from the striker (A).

128 M023 Midfield Through Ball

Midfielder's receive a lay off pass from a striker and try to penetrate a defensive line to get behind defenders.

129 M024 Shooting The Knock Back

Players pass away from goal, receive a return pass, lay this pass off for a striker and change places.

130 M025 Strikers Switching

The strikers will suddenly change places (switch) or break in opposite directions to create space when an attack is created down either wing. Normal soccer rules apply (offside etc.)

131 M026 Midfielder's Lay Off For strikers

Players pass/shoot as attackers then become defenders and rotate places.

132 M027 Defending Sudden Breaks

The coach has several soccer balls and the first three attackers line up on the half way line as shown (A 1, 2 & 3). Three defenders start on pressure posts and move as soon as the ball is played.

133 M028 Defending Pressure Grid

Various players lob a ball into the penalty area where a defender has to sprint in and volley or clear the ball to outfield players.

134 M029 Midfield play

Teams are split into 5 v 5 each plus a goalkeeper (optional). The grid is split as shown with two defenders, two midfielder and one attacker in each team. The ball MUST be played from grid to grid and players may not enter another grid.

135 M030 Midfielder's In Attack

The squad is split into two teams Team A and Team B They line up as attackers, one defender and one midfielder on each team, as shown and travel through the grid using the midfielder's to help them attack the opposite goal.

136 M031 Attacking From Deep

Two attackers (A) and (B) challenge two defenders (C) and (D). The attackers MUST make at least three passes (A) to (B), (B) to (A) and (A) again to (B) more passes are allowed three is the minimum.

137 M032 Midfield Through Ball

Midfield players work the ball to create space for a midfield through ball to a winger or central player, and make a through ball pass. Players start level with the penalty area then begin by moving towards the halfway line (as they would if an offside trap was being employed) attackers are marked by defenders.

138 M033 Midfield Support Back Four

The back four work the ball in a 4 v 2 against twin strikers and pass to the midfield when one or more of the midfield players makes break to support the play.

139 M034 Strikers Creating Space

Two strikers remain in the penalty area covered by two defenders. There are two additional strikers next to markers just outside the area also covered by defenders. Three midfield players each with a soccer ball is allocated a number and when called out by the coach can play the ball to either available striker

140 M035 Defending One Goal

Goalkeeper: Has to make a decision on when to come out or stay on the goal line before diving on the ball.

141 M036 Goalkeeping 2 on 2 Attack_ Defend

Players play 2 v 2 with two defenders (A1) and (A2). The defenders are initially passive defenders, just making it difficult for the attackers and do not tackle. Two attackers (B1) or (B2) receive a pass from defender (A1) and one of the attackers (B1) or (B2) must try to get into the area, where the goalkeeper must come out to smother the ball.

142 M037 Midfield Creating Space for Striker Roles

Play is dictated by the midfield group (A, B and C) whom are unmarked and are restricted to a maximum of three passes

143 M038 Midfield Diversions For Blind Run

The attacking midfield players A1, A2 and A3 create passing sequence (1, 2, 3 etc.) and strikers and nearby midfield players (except the two attackers on the far side) move to support the play calling for the ball.

144 M039 Defending -The Role of the Sweeper

Line up the back four with your sweeper behind the defenders. Player (A1) passes to (A2) and the routine begins. The strikers link with the midfield and try to get the ball back to the attackers or past the back four for a shot on goal. The sweeper dictates play by calling the back line out for the offside trap.

145 M040 Attacking Beating The Offside Trap

The ball is played in to goal by any midfield player with either winger chipping the ball into the area towards the keeper. The front third is defended as 4 v 3 using a sweeper.

146 M041 Defending Dealing With Attacks Down The Middle

Attackers (A) and (B) work the ball in a 2 v 1 against a midfielder. The midfielder must touch the post or marker before defending on the next attack.

147 M042 Strikers Predicting Play

The ball is being played out by the back four, the goalkeeper rolls the ball to one of the defenders. The strikers, having retired, now pressure the play by closing down one side of the pitch to force play to that side of the pitch.

148 M043 Defending using Zonal Defence

Mark out a pitch into zones and allocate your defenders to play within these areas and advise the defenders to assume responsibility for that zone. Defenders may move out of the area but MUST always remain responsible and liable for play in their zone.

149 M044 Midfielder's building attacks from the back

The team is split into two teams (Attackers -bibs) v (Defenders) with two goals. The Attacking team have seven players plus a keeper and the defending team have six players plus a keeper (or in similar proportion depending on your squad).

150 M045 Attacking using Overlapping Fullbacks

Play is for an Attacking fullback to pass to a midfield player and then overlap down the wing. Other players take up defensive and Attacking roles and the two overlapping attackers return to the start after each attack.

151 M046 Attacking From Switch Play

Players cross a ball and attackers try to score whilst being challenged by a midfield defender.

152 M047 Defending Line Clearing

Players pass a ball into the corner flag and a defender has to get to the ball and turn and clear the ball up the line to a receiving player. The passing player puts pressure on the defender and players change places after each run.

153 M048 Attacking from wide Using the midfield and width

Players attack and defend whilst attacks are built from midfield. A striker (C) and defender (E) remain in the penalty area to undertake normal attack and defending roles. Midfield attackers, change places with the two defenders and these players rotate roles.

154 M049 Advanced Pressure Shooting

Players pass into the middle pitch then chase around a post, Attackers take off from the center spot and run around a post to attack the ball whilst under pressure from the defender, a shot or ball defended and next pair enter the grid

155 M050 Attacking wingers covering the Far Post for crosses

Play is 2 v 1 wide with the winger, player (A) and midfield support (B) The winger being released with a wall pass past a passive defender; the winger (A) is then challenged by the fullback.

156 M051 Crossing Line Pass & Wide Play

Play is 2 v 1 wide with the winger, player (A) being released then challenged by the fullback. The ball is crossed into the penalty area and the opposite winger player (B) MUST run far post and NOT into the penalty area.

157 M052 Defence the line pass and cross

Player (A) runs to a defender, shown in (Red), turns on the defender and receives a pass from Player (B). Player (A) controls the ball, turns the defender then passes down the line, and breaks inside for a return pass.

158 M053 Defending wide pressure grid

The Attackers then break into the penalty area where a defender (B2) has sprinted in to defend. The attackers in a 2 v 1 Attacker (A2) must cross the ball for the other attacker. (Then moves to become a defender).

159 M054 Defending Turning in attack 2 v 2 attacking and defending

160 M055 Defending Blind Runs to the Far Post

A large mini goal about three metres outside of the penalty area, is set up. Teams split into two teams, one team in pairs start as attackers shown in (A Team Blue) and form up near the centre spot on the half way line.

161 M056 Goalkeeper Attacking turning central defenders

Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper.

162 M057 Defending 2 v 2 Full Pitch

163 M058 Defending attacks turning central defenders

164 M059 Defending Working Goal Line Crosses

165 M060 Defending Dealing With Deep Crosses

166 M061 Defending The Wall Pass In Attack

Players hitting wide shots into the goal mouth from just past the half-way line, striker and defender roles.

167 M062 Goalkeeper dealing with Wing Play

168 M063 Crossing Wing Play and Crosses

Goalkeeper to control defenders for all crosses, positional play and calling, two teams, three strikers and four defenders in the penalty area

169 M064 Attacking and defending 2 v 2 with the goalie

Players deliver a simple cross for strikers to attack or defenders to clear, pressure is on the strikers in the penalty area to determine how the cross is delivered

170 M065 Defending and attacking 2 v 2 with the goalie

Two attackers (B1) or (B2) receive a pass from defender (A1) and one of the attackers (B1) or (B2) must try to get into the area, where the goalkeeper must come out to smother the ball.

171 M066 Defending working the Offside Trap

To act as obstructions so that attackers have to work the ball or dribble to get into position. Later encourage tackling outside of the area only, as directed by the keeper.

172 M067 Attacking Line Pass & Wide Play

The ball is played in to goal by any midfield player with either winger chipping the ball into the area towards the keeper. The front third is defended as 4 v 3 using a sweeper.

173 M068 Beating The Offside Trap

Again look for good line passing from attacker (A1) or chipping crossing skills from the winger (A2), followed by good timing of the run onto the crossed ball, and strong finishing, especially now that a defender (B2) is in place.

174 M069 Attacking Overlapping Runners

Players spilt into two teams one team with bibs. They play V's each other outside of the marked grid and can only enter the grid if they run onto a on side pass.

175 M070 Defence Overlapping Runners

Players inter pass with a central midfielder and sprint on to give and receive a crossed ball.

176 M071 Defending Blind Runs to the Far Post

Players inter pass with a central midfielder and sprint on to give and receive a crossed ball. Breaking wide and switching places in attack

177 M072 Midfield Predicting Play

Players make a deep cross far post for a runner to run onto whilst strikers are creating space for the runner. Players rotate with the exception of the two defenders, the two strikers and goalkeeper.

Attacking Crossing Defending Dribbling Goalkeeping Midfield Tackling

Club Team Men Pre Season Sample	1	Club Team Men Pre Season Sample	2
Week 1 Session 1	Time 120 min	Week 1 Session 2	Time 120 min
1. Pre-warm up	10 Min	1. Pre-warm up	10 Min
2. Stretching exercises after lap of oval	10 Min	2. Stretching exercises after lap of oval	10 Min
3. Warm up	5 Min	3. Warm up	5 Min
4. Skill Developments	20 Min	4. Skill Developments	20 Min
5. Match Practice	20 Min	5. Match Practice	20 Min
6. Game	15 Min	6. Game	15 Min
7. Warm down	10 Min End	7. Warm down	10 Min End

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Last updated 25 January 2023